Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.
HMO Landlords Lead UK Rental Sector on Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Paragon Bank research shows that landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are leading the way in energy efficiency improvements, with 66% of HMO properties already achieving an EPC rating of A to C. This figure is ahead of the wider UK housing stock, where around half of homes meet this standard, according to government data cited in the research.
No HMO landlords surveyed reported properties in the lowest EPC bands F or G. The findings come as landlords prepare for proposed changes to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, which are expected to require all rental properties to reach EPC band C by 2030.
The survey also found that more than a quarter of landlords (28%) have already brought forward energy efficiency improvements in response to these proposals. Additionally, over four in ten landlords are absorbing increased energy bills themselves, rather than passing these costs on to tenants through higher rents.
These developments are particularly relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as they highlight the growing importance of energy efficiency standards in the rental sector and the proactive steps being taken by HMO landlords.
Source: Mortgage Strategy